It is almost time to start planting your bulbs! While seeing the payoff from planting spring bulbs while it is still cold outside takes a while, it is well worth the wait! Bulbs are a great way to get a head start on your spring gardens. We have complied a list of our 4 most heard concerns about growing bulbs. We help this list helps answer your questions and ease your worries.

1. My bulbs are already starting to grow. How do I protect them?

The leaves of many early spring flowering bulbs, such as grape hyacinths, crocus and daffodils, may begin to emerge in the late fall or mid winter. This is no cause for concern, and it will not damage the bulb or flower.

2. Chipmunks, squirrels and deer are eating my bulbs. Help!

There are several different control options to consider. Bulbs, such as hyacinth, daffodils and allium, are naturally resistant to wildlife damage and can be planted without any special treatment. Tulips, crocus and other bulbs can be sprayed with Repels-All, allowed to dry and then planted. This repellent lends a foul smell and taste to the bulbs so squirrels, chipmunks and voles will leave them alone. If deer are eating your tulips, spray them again in the spring when you first see the buds appear. VoleBloc is a natural product made from stone that has been heated in a kiln and fractured into small pieces. Surrounding your bulbs with VoleBloc creates a permanent barrier that protects them from burrowing critters.

3. If I forget to plant my bulbs before Christmas, can I still use them?

The best time to plant bulbs is in the fall, any time before Christmas. If the ground isn’t frozen, daffodils, crocus and hyacinths can be planted in January with good results while others, such as tulips, may not bloom very well. Bulbs can be stored indoors, but must be kept in a dark location at temperatures of 50 to 55 degrees. This is difficult to do in most homes, so the best idea may be to plant the bulbs anyway and you may have to wait another year for them to flower.

4. I don’t like seeing the old leaves after the flowers have faded. What can I do?

You can hide the yellowing leaves of your bulbs by planting them along with pansies, sweet woodruff, cranesbill geraniums and other flowers. Planting bulbs towards the back of your flower border makes this easier to do. Don’t cut, tie or braid the leaves. This just makes the bulbs weaker for the following year.

If you have any questions that are not addressed in the above list, feel free to call or visit us at any of our stores. We are happy to help!